How can rural towns improve water quality, increase river access, and save money? Come explore ideas for Bethel and beyond. Join us for this interactive forum. Learn why clean water and river access matters to everyone. Find out how to get involved. Share your ideas and help shape Bethel’s future.
How can we protect our rivers and roads, swimming holes and fishing spots from stronger storms and increasing runoff? How might we improve water quality, save money, and protect people and infrastructure? How can we improve river access, recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat or other community benefits at the same time?
Come learn how climate change and development are impacting rivers and stormwater in Bethel and other rural communities, and how recreation access is opening up new opportunities for people and local economies. This interactive forum will use Bethel as a case study, but look at challenges and solutions common in rural communities around Vermont.
In the first half, we’ll hear from two speakers about common stormwater and watershed challenges and explore solutions to reduce municipal costs, improve the health of rivers and streams, benefit businesses, increase recreation access, and address equity. Hear initial findings from Bethel's stormwater studies and learn how towns and groups like the White River Partnership are working to create healthier, more accessible rivers.
Stick around for an interactive forum in the second half – we’ll use breakout groups and interactive maps to dive into Bethel's White River. We'll map problem areas and priority sites, then brainstorm quick ways we can start taking action.
Speakers:
Mary Russ and Christian Pelletier, White River Partnership
Emily Lewis, Landscape Architect/Environmental Planner, DuBois & King
Accommodations
We will offer automatic captioning at this event. Do you need additional accommodations? If so, please email betheluniversityvt@gmail.com and we will do our best to make arrangements.
Host: Bethel for All. This event is one of four accessibility forums organized by Bethel for All —a community-driven planning process making Bethel, Vermont a more connected, vibrant, welcoming and accessible place for all. Join us for the other three forums to learn about creating accessible public spaces and services, a thriving local economy, and safer streets. Bethel for All is a Vermont Better Connections project. bethelforall.org
Bethel University Vermont (BU) is a free community pop-up university based in Bethel, Vermont and created by the Bethel Revitalization Initiative. We offer free courses by the community, for the community, during the month of March each year. Learn more about Bethel University and check out more free course listings at betheluniversityvt.org.